Klarinet Archive - Posting 001057.txt from 1999/03

From: EbKlarinet@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: Orch bass cl/sax double
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 02:22:12 -0500

Somebody said they've never heard of that double being required. I'm
wondering what planet they're from--I've never heard of it NOT being required.

btw, it is well-known that clarinetists make the best doublers. The
clarinet's fingering system is more complex than the other woodwinds. (Someone
mentioned that you had to learn more fingerings on the sax--what?? since when?
If you believe that, then you need to go learn some more clarinet fingerings.
I recommend Tom Ridenour's book, for starters.) Once you can handle the clar
fingerings, the other woodwinds, particularly sax and flute, are a piece of
cake.

Not only does the clar have a more complex fingering system, but the
management of the airstream is more complex as well. It takes several years
to get the fast, focused airstream of the clar in shape enough to actually
sound like a clarinet should! The sax, on the other hand, uses basically the
same embouchure, and a relaxed airstream. THAT'S the primary obstacle most cl
players have when learning sax--slowing down the air by dropping the cl's high
back of tongue position. The relaxation of the embouchure is easy by
comparison.

A couple of generations ago, it was common practice to have prospective sax
students in school bands play clarinet for 2 or 3 years before they were
allowed to touch the sax. Why do you suppose that was? Do you think maybe
they knew that clarinet players were the best doublers, that the training you
get on a band clarinet part is much more strenuous than on a band sax part,
and makes you a better musician? And how come almost every sax player I talk
to envys me my doubling ability? Is it because I have a rare
talent?(Maybe--who wouldn't want to think so?<g>) No, they know why it
is--because I started on clarinet, and not just started, but was well-
established as a clarinet player before I added sax.

A perfect example of this very thing happened today while I was at my local
woodwind shop, showing off my brand new Eb clarinet. A very famous
saxophonist was at the store at the same time(played on Hall & Oates albums),
and I handed the horn to him. He didn't even want to touch it! He admitted
how difficult he found clarinet, amongst all his instruments, and when I
finally got him to play a couple of notes, he sounded like a beginnner (that
slow air speed was the culprit, btw!). Now, it's very true that the eefer
needs even faster air, and you wouldn't expect just anyone to be able to sound
good on it, but I can pick up a sopranino and sound like a pro. Ok, you say,
it's small like a clarinet. Fine--I can play bari like a son-of-a-gun, too!!

As for a clarinetist not being able to play the sax after only 6 months, I
was able to do it in 6 MINUTES! I was already an advanced clarinetist at the
time, but it also helped that the person who showed me explained the air speed
difference, as well as the embouchure/amount of mpc change.

As for bass clarinet being easier or harder than soprano clarinet, I will say
that if you have small, female hands, it's definitely tough to handle some of
those crazy licks you're asked to play (I really do think the horn was
designed for adult males). But it's worth it, because the bass is a fabulous
instrument, and, as others have mentioned, when people hear what it's really
supposed to sound like, they certainly have more appreciation for that
gorgeous, woody, dark sound with all that power!

Basta for me today!
Elise Curran

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